I hope that everyone can spare five minutes to watch this funny video on youtube about the organic revolution!
I thought that this was a very interesting parody of Star Wars that took a look at the organic revolution. Although in a very simple way, it addressed the main issues and controversies that are about in typical farming practices today. The "dark side of the farm" consists of the food that is farmed using pesticides, steroids and genetic engineering to change that organic format of the biomass. Fertilizers and pesticides are an increasing problem in the environment with large contributions of nitrogen and other harmful toxins. Organic farming addresses certain environmental issues and hazards. With organic farming it has become much more popular and prevalent to buy local goods as opposed to the cheaper, less environmentally friendly goods that have had to travel long ways until they reach ones house. This movement contributes to less greenhouse gasses from a smaller "milkshed", or the radius from farm to consumer, for the transportation of food. This movement helps lower greenhouse gasses, and water pollutants from toxins in fertilizers.
My favorite Store Wars character was by far Chewbroccoli. I hope that you all enjoy this video as much as I did.
WOW this video was genius. Although it is pretty silly, it makes an important point. The sad thing is, organic foods are more expensive, its almost like you have to buy your health. But as far as efficiency is concerned, we are producing more foods than ever before to fit our growing population.
ReplyDeleteHaha great video. I think it is very interesting that food grown thousands of miles away is less expensive than organic food grown just a few tens of miles away. It all seems kind of silly if you think about it. Trade through food has helped everyone a lot however, and most often we are thinking about what is most efficient for our own personal energy, not the total energy. So we go to the grocery store that is closest and sells our food for the cheapest.
ReplyDeleteHaha - Organican Skywalker.. the video focuses on the unsustainability of current industrialized agriculture processes, which is motivated by the perceived need to produce lots of food from small plots of land.. but aren't these things we need to help feed our growing population? don't we still have people starving, or who can't afford food? If these unsustainable processes are helping reduce the price of food, are we helping those in need?
ReplyDeleteIts also interesting to think of the role of the farmer in this story, as completely changed as it is now, from what we commonly draw up in our minds. Despite all this mechanical and chemical help, most farmers struggle to even get by...
Wow. I can't believe someone actual made this... It's ridiculous and so awesome. I really liked "Darth Tater" :P
ReplyDeleteIt's always really bothered me how much actually goes into food. I understand that producers do so to make more money, but I'd rather not have added chemicals in my food. There have actually been studies suggesting that these chemicals may affect more than just physical health. For some people, non organic products can cause hyperactivity, anxiety, or depression (I've actually seen this with a family member). The effects may vary from person to person, but these chemical additives can still affect people. I'm not sure what experience everyone has with depression, but from what I've seen it really does decrease a person's efficiency. Maybe the chemicals don't affect the food/fuel source in a negative way directly, but it can negatively affect the person using it.
Here are a few sites with more info about those studies I mentioned:
http://www.healthguidance.org/entry/3827/1/Food-Anxiety-and-Depression.html
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/10587.php
AWESOME VIDEO! Star Wars ftw! Moving on, this problem has become extremely prevalent in today's society. For instance, my mom hardly eats anything that isn't organic. I do my best not to, but being a college kid, the choices are a bit slim... I mean these pesticides can cause all kinds of health problems for people, and depending on the chemical, possible birth defects. But the need has become greater than the supply in some cases, putting pressure on these farms to grow more, faster and better looking fruits and vegetables, so in part, I don't really blame them. With today's growing population, what else can they do to keep up? It does bother me that the government will pay some farmers not to farm so they can "regulate prices"........ I don't know, it gets really complicated.
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